Where: Joe Walton Stadium, Moon Twp., Pa.
Radio: WHIO-AM (1290), WHIO-FM (95.7)
Series: UD leads, 11-2, including a 28-14 win last year at Welcome Stadium.
About UD: The Flyers are breaking in a new quarterback in redshirt freshman Will Bardo, who led his team to the Kentucky 5A state championship game as a senior. He's as fast as his predecessor, two-time Pioneer Football League offensive player of the year Steve Valentino, although probably won't be quite as shifty. But the coaches see much promise in Bardo, who prevailed in a close QB competition during spring and preseason practice. The Flyers hope to become more balanced this season. Valentino was by far their leading rusher last season with 712 yards, but the trio of Brian Mack (331), Taylor Harris (363) and Dan Jacob (192) will be expected to carry more of the load.
About Robert Morris: Joe Walton, the former New York Jets coach, started the program from scratch in 1993 and led the Colonials to the FCS (Division I-AA) playoffs last season by winning the Northeast Conference's automatic bid. The league is moving toward full I-AA status. It allows up to 40 scholarships, although that's still shy of the I-AA maximum of 63. Robert Morris finished 8-3 in 2010 and is picked to finish third in the league this season. Nine starters return, including first-team all-conference QB Jeff Sinclair, who tied the school record with 22 TD passes.
Outlook: Non-scholarship UD has a tough opener in taking on the scholarship-rich Colonials, especially playing on the road while breaking in a new QB. But despite losing 12 starters, the Flyers have a reputation for finding suitable replacements. They finished last season ranked 25th in both the Sports Network and American Football Coaches Association national polls for the first time as a I-AA team. This year, they've received the 48th-most votes in the preseason Sports Network ratings.
Quote: "The biggest concern we have right now is an inexperienced offense playing on the road for the first time. That's the thing you have to see. How will they handle that? How will Will Bardo, making his first collegiate start, handle the pressure at a very tough place to play and against a very good football team. That's going to be a telling story right there," UD coach Rick Chamerblin said.
Prediction: Robert Morris 24, Dayton 21.
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